--- title: South Africa visa for citizens of Laos description: "Citizens of Laos need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: $43 + $32 service fee. Processing: 5–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/south-africa/laos lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # South Africa visa for citizens of Laos Citizens of Laos need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/laos/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa · up to 90 days - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Entries:** Single entry - **Processing time:** 5–15 days - **Government fee:** $43 + $32 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approx. $500 per month of stay) ## How to apply 1. **Complete online visa application form on VFS Global website** — Fill DHA-84 form accurately and print a copy. 2. **Gather required documents** — Assemble all documents listed above as per checklist. 3. **Book an appointment at VFS Global visa centre in Vientiane** — Appointments are mandatory for biometric data collection. 4. **Attend appointment and submit application** — Bring original passport, photocopies, photos, and all supporting documents. Pay visa fee and service charge. 5. **Biometric enrollment** — Provide fingerprints and photograph at the visa centre. 6. **Track application status online** — You will receive a tracking number to follow processing. 7. **Collect passport with visa decision** — Passport is returned either by courier or collected in person (as per your selection). ## Documents checklist - **Passport (original + photocopy of biopage)** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay and have at least 2 blank visa pages. - **Visa application form (DHA-84) filled online and printed** (Supporting): Complete on VFS Global website and print. - **Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 3.5 x 4.5 cm)** (Supporting): Taken within the last 6 months. - **Proof of travel (flight itinerary or confirmed return ticket)** (Travel): Must show onward/return booking. - **Accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation letter)** (Travel): For the entire intended stay. - **Bank statement (last 3 months)** (Financial): Must show sufficient balance – approximately $500 per month of stay. - **Employment letter or proof of occupation** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave. - **Travel insurance covering minimum USD 30,000 for medical emergencies** (Supporting): Valid for the entire Schengen area (if applicable) but accepted for SA visa. - **Copy of ID card (if applicable) or residence permit** (Supporting): For applicants residing outside their passport country. - **Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from endemic country)** (Supporting, optional): Only if visiting endemic regions or transiting through them. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** $500 per month of stay - Bank statement (last 3 months) - Pay slips Balance must cover estimated expenses throughout stay. ## Good to know - Processing times may be longer during peak season; apply well in advance. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient funds or unclear proof of financial means** — Ensure bank statement shows consistent balance above $500 per month of stay. - **Invalid passport (less than 6 months validity) or insufficient blank pages** — Check passport validity and blank pages before applying. - **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double‑check all fields and signs before submission. - **Missing onward / return ticket** — Provide confirmed flight itinerary showing exit from South Africa. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Laos need a visa for South Africa? Citizens of Laos need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa · up to 90 days. ### How long can citizens of Laos stay in South Africa? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the South Africa visa cost for citizens of Laos? Government fee: $43 + $32 service fee. ### How long does South Africa visa processing take? Typically 5–15 days. ### What documents do citizens of Laos need for South Africa? Passport (original + photocopy of biopage); Visa application form (DHA-84) filled online and printed; Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 3.5 x 4.5 cm); Proof of travel (flight itinerary or confirmed return ticket); Accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation letter); Bank statement (last 3 months); and 4 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for South Africa? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/laos/ ## Sources - [vfsglobal.com](https://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/laos/) ## More - [South Africa visa for every passport](/visa/south-africa) - [Every destination for Laos passport holders](/visa/passport/laos)